Classroom Library Buy – Page 18

Guest Post: Classroom Uses for Jo Jo Makoons by Dawn Quigley, Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman, Melissa by Alex Gino, and Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

September 1, 2022 by Kellee

One of the assignments during my Spring Children’s Literature course at UCF was creating a mini-teaching guide for the books we read for book clubs. We started with picture books for practice then students created them in their book clubs each week.

Today, I am happy to share the classroom uses and discussion questions found by my UCF Elementary Education students about these realistic fiction books.

Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-be Best Friend
Author: Dawn Quigley
Illustrator: Tara Audibert
Published May 11th, 2021 by Heartdrum

Summary: Hello/Boozhoo—meet Jo Jo Makoons, a spunky young Ojibwe girl who loves who she is.

Jo Jo Makoons Azure is a spirited seven-year-old who moves through the world a little differently than anyone else on her Ojibwe reservation. It always seems like her mom, her kokum (grandma), and her teacher have a lot to learn—about how good Jo Jo is at cleaning up, what makes a good rhyme, and what it means to be friendly.

Even though Jo Jo loves her #1 best friend Mimi (who is a cat), she’s worried that she needs to figure out how to make more friends. Because Fern, her best friend at school, may not want to be friends anymore…

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book can be used in the classroom as a tool to show the students that it’s important not to assume what another student is thinking. It is always best to vocalize concerns

Discussion Questions:

Describe what a reservation is according to the book?
Why did Kokum (grandma) move in with Jo Jo and her mom?
In what ways are cats and balloons different?
Why did Jo Jo Makoons cut the toes out of her socks? What did she do with them?
What happens when Jo Jo takes Mimi to school?
What did the new girl, Susan do when she saw Mimi in the classroom? How did JoJo feel about Susan’s reaction?
What are some ways you may relate to Jo Jo?
Has anybody ever felt like they might lose their best friend? Why?
How do Jo Jo’s classmates help her see that they are friends at the end of the story.
What does it mean to be a good friend to you?
What are some positive traits we could learn from Jo Jo?
In the Book Jo Jo cut out the toes in her socks. Why did she do this?
Why do you feel that Jo Jo felt left out at school?
Why was it so important for Jo Jo to bring MiMi to school with her?
What ways could JoJo have approached her classmates at lunch before getting upset about eating alone?
Why do you feel it’s important for Jo Jo and her family to learn and know the language of her Ojibwe tribe?
What could JoJo have done better for her original rhyme to make it better?
Like Jo Jo if you had to bring your best friend to class with you, who would it be and why?
How did you feel about the nickname Jo Jo made for Chuck?
Why do you think Jo Jo thought the Gym teacher’s name was Jim?

Recommended For:

The Length of a String
Author: Elissa Brent Weissman
Published May 1st, 2018 by Dial Books

Summary: Imani is adopted, and she’s ready to search for her birthparents. But when she discovers the diary her Jewish great-grandmother wrote chronicling her escape from Holocaust-era Europe, Imani begins to see family in a new way.

Imani knows exactly what she wants as her big bat mitzvah gift: to meet her birthparents. She loves her family and her Jewish community in Baltimore, but she has always wondered where she came from, especially since she’s black and almost everyone she knows is white. When her mom’s grandmother–Imani’s great-grandma Anna–passes away, Imani discovers an old diary among her books. It’s Anna’s diary from 1941, the year she was twelve–the year she fled Nazi-occupied Luxembourg alone, sent by her parents to seek refuge in Brooklyn. Written as a series of letters to the twin sister she had to leave behind, Anna’s diary records her journey to America and her new life with an adopted family. Anna’s diary and Imani’s birthparent search intertwine to tell the story of two girls, each searching for family and identity in her own time and in her own way.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Use this book to discuss and learn about History-World War II/Holocaust, the Jewish faith, and adoption.

This book is educational because it discusses the Holocaust from the point of view of someone who experienced it. It also has an engaging story line that makes readers want to read more to find out what will happen. This book would be very useful when teaching about the Holocaust.

Discussion Questions:

How do you think Imani felt when she started to read about Anna’s life in her diary?
Think of a time you felt out of place and write about how that made you feel.
Why do you think Imani’s mom cries so much?
Have you ever felt a special connection with someone in you family?
If you were Imani, would you continue to look for your birth parents?
Suppose you wrote a diary about something that you want people/family in the future to know. What would it be about and why?
What are some special celebrations that you do with your family?
If you were Imani’s friend, what advice would you give her as she goes through this journey?
What is something you have that is special that you think you will give to someone in the future?
Why do you think people living around Imani insensitive questions?

Recommended For:

Melissa
Author: Alex Gino
Published August 25th, 2018 by Scholastic

Summary: When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy.

With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte — but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This story is a good teachable book where certain themes can be brought up and talked about within the classroom setting. Where students can ask questions that may push boundaries but can be answered in a professional setting. This novel would be useful in the classroom to teach and promote gender diversity. This book would also be great as a classroom library so that students who may be facing these issues will have something relatable to read.

Discussion Questions:

Identify some ways Melissa being trans affected their life.
Think about a moment when someone in the book was bullied. What could have been done differently?
Why do you think Melissa was so scared to tell her parents about who she is?
What does it mean to be an Ally?
Describe two ways someone else helped Melissa.
Describe Melissa’s disposition throughout the book. How did it change?
Do you think that it was a good idea to talk to a therapist about the issues between Melissa and her mom?
Write about a time you felt scared to tell someone the truth.
If you were in Melissa’s class what would you do to make her feel welcome?
Sketch a scene from the book. Why did you pick that scene?
Why do you think the author chose to use the pronoun “she” when describing or referring to George? Does this make a difference to the way you feel about the character?
How do you think George feels having to keep this big secret inside? (Use text evidence to support your claims.) Have you had to keep a secret about yourself — how does this make you feel? Without revealing the secret (unless you feel comfortable), share or write about this experience and how you were affected.
George eventually reveals her secret to those she cares about. How does this make her feel? (Use text evidence to support your claims.) What are some consequences of “hiding” vs. “being yourself”?
What do you think it takes to “be yourself”? What are some pros and cons of being who you are? What are some other examples of “being yourself” that might be scary for kid?
Share or write about a time where you had to be brave enough to be who you are. What made you finally do it, and what effects did the experience have on your life?
People reacted differently to George’s revelation. Discuss how they differed and possible reasons why (try to think about this from the person’s point of view). How do you think you would react if you were each of these individuals?
1. Classmates
2. George’s mom and big brother
3. School teacher/principal
4. George’s best friend Kelly
5. Kelly’s dad and uncle
Discuss diversity, acceptance/tolerance, prejudice, bullying, compassion, etc. Come up with real-life examples. What are some way your classroom/school/family/community could be more accepting of those who might be different from you?
Towards the end of the book, the author switches to the name Melissa when referring to George. Why do you think they chose to do that?
How does Melissa feel in the first few chapters of the book?
How does Melissa feel at the end of the book?
Why did Ms.Udell not let Melissa play Charlotte?
Have you ever felt lost or scared to tell the truth? If so, how did that make you feel?
If Melissa was in your class, what are some ways you could make her feel welcomed?
Name a few things that Melissa had to struggle with, because she wanted to be trans.

Recommended For:

Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Author: Meg Medina
Published September 11th, 2018 by Candlewick Press

Summary: Thoughtful, strong-willed sixth-grader Merci Suarez navigates difficult changes with friends, family, and everyone in between in a resonant new novel from Meg Medina.

Merci Suarez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don’t have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci’s school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna’s jealousy. Things aren’t going well at home, either: Merci’s grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately — forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what’s going on, so she’s left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school. In a coming-of-age tale full of humor and wisdom, award-winning author Meg Medina gets to the heart of the confusion and constant change that defines middle school — and the steadfast connection that defines family.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would be useful in a classroom for teachers to expose a lot of topics to students such as bullying, family relations, and relatable school interactions like wanting to play sports or friendships and grades. As well as students that are nervous about their 6th grade year or also starting sixth grade read about someone going through the same things as them.

Discussion Questions:

What do you think caused Lolo to pick up the wrong twins?
Why do you think Merci and Edna are not friends?
Why do you think Edna is worried about appearances and mercy is not?
After their first interaction, do you think Merci will end up enjoying Michael as a sunshine buddy?
If you were a new kid would you want a sunshine buddy? Would you want to be a sunshine buddy? Why or why not?
Do you think Merci handled her situations maturely? Why or why not ?
Why did Merci’s parents hide Lolo’s conditions from her ?
How would you describe Merci’s relationship with her grandfather?
Do you think Merci’s culture made her feel different from her peers at school ? Why or Why not ?
How would you handle being falsely accused of something you didn’t do like Merci when edna destroyed the mask ?

Recommended For:

When You Take a Step by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

August 30, 2022 by Kellee

When You Take a Step
Author: Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Expected Publication September 27th, 2022 by Beach Lane Books

Summary: Each step leads to a new discovery in this evocative picture book about how mindfulness, peace, or change could be just around the corner.

To take a walk is to begin a journey. It can be an adventure or a chance to let your thoughts roam and be one with nature. It can be a time for daydreaming and pondering life’s many questions. It can be a time to reflect on the past or to stand up for a better future. So take a step and see where your journey will lead you!

Praise:

“Though the concept is simple—even a single step can empower—it uplifts via Deeney Murguia’s polished execution.” —Publisher’s Weekly

About the Author: Bethanie Deeney Murguia graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City with an MFA in illustration and has created numerous picture books, including Cockatoo, Too; Zoe Gets Ready; Snippet the Early Riser; I Feel Five!; We Disagree; and When You Take a Step. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her two daughters and her dog, Disco. To learn more about Bethanie, please visit her website, AquaPup.com.

Review: Murguia has created a simple yet deep picture book about how one step, both figurative and literal steps, can make a difference. And it could be a small change or big, but the steps are important and they all have a purpose. This book will be an amazing text to inspire young minds to not give up, to make a difference, and to make that step they may be afraid to make.

And I love the illustrations and purposeful use of pink color. The cartoon-style illustrations are realistic yet fun; I think readers will connect with them! Also, the use of pink on the shoes to its full page pink spread at the end was so well done to show the spread of the steps.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The publisher has provided a guide for using books about feelings and emotions in the classroom which would work perfectly with this book:

Discussion Questions:

Does the author always mean actual steps? Explain.
What are the different types of steps, figurative and literal, that the author includes in the book?
In what ways did the author add inclusivity into the book?
What is the theme of the book?
Why do you think the author chose to write this book?

Flagged Passages:

Read This If You Love: Inspirational books, Books about emotions

Recommended For:

**Thank you to Alex at Simon & Schuster for providing a copy for review!**

Blog Tour with Review by our 8-Year-Olds!: My Pet Feet by Josh Funk, Illustrated by Billy Yong

August 27, 2022 by Ricki

My Pet Feet
Author: Josh Funk
Illustrator: Billy Yong
Anticipated Publication: August 23, 2022 by Simon & Schuster

Goodreads Summary: When the letter R suddenly vanishes, a whole town goes upside-down in this side-splitting picture book of alphabet chaos that’s Can I Be Your Dog? meets P Is for Pterodactyl.

A little girl wakes up one day to find that R, a vital piece of the alphabet, has vanished! Suddenly, she has pet feet instead of a ferret. Flocks of cows replace crows flying in the sky. Giant shoes (not shores!) live on the sandy beaches of her town.

What could have happened to the eighteenth letter of the alphabet? Did it get lost—or stolen? One way or another, the town needs to be saved!

When Trent first read this book, he said (and I quote), “This book should win all the awards! Not just now but forever!” Because of how much he loved the book, we decided to let him and Henry chat about and review the book for us!

Our 8-Year-Olds Chat About the Book:

Henry: Did you notice on the background on the first page that it said “fist place” instead of “first place”? That was so funny!

Trent: Hahahaha! Fist place! Hahahaha! What do you think will happen next because the bees are taking the Zs?

Henry: I would say that…hmm… I don’t know. I think the bees will just be quiet and will say Zs. What do you think?

Trent: Same.

Henry: Have you seen the mice? Have you seen the mice on most of the pages? There’s a little mouse holding a donut on the pages. I love that! Why do you think they did that?

Trent: I didn’t notice that. Oh look at that! I think they are actually rats.

Henry: Yah! Rats without the Rs.

Trent: They are taking the donuts at the bake shop! What are three words without Rs and what would they say?

Henry: Hmm….[looking around the room] Roar would be oa! Hahahahaha! Grown would be gown! Growl would be gowl! Hahaha! Those are so funny!

Trent: In the book, the doo is the door. The cows are the crows. The cane is the crane.

Henry: Oh. You meant from the book! Hahaha! I just picked words!

Trent: Well we are talking about the book, silly.

Henry: Reading would be eading, like eating. Isn’t that funny?

Henry’s little brother: I love this book!

Henry: The go-carts are go-cats! The feet is ferret! The fist is first! What do you think another good letter missing book would be, like this one, that is just as funny as this one?

Trent: But we are talking about this book!

Henry: I know, but I am talking about how this book is funny and thinking about other ones Josh Funk could make.

Trent: E would be good!

Henry: Oh nice! Like “see” would be “ssssss,” hahaha! I like that. Good one, Trent. “Fled” would be “fld.”

Trent: Oh! Compare the spreads on pages 8 and 20. What is the same and what is different? Bake shop, brake shop. That stuff. I like these ones. Taco caves! What do you think taco caves is?

Henry: Oh! Ha! I don’t know! I don’t know! It sounds so funny!

Trent: It’s taco cravers, I think. If you look at the toon town closely inside the brake shop sign, you see posters. And then they are actually different, too.

Henry: Oh!! Taco cravers! Toon Town. Oh! Tires on Brake Shop! I love this book. Oh! Instead of Brake Shop, it is Bake Shop, Trent! We also fix ties instead of tires, it says. Cool! Haha.

Trent: What could the sequel be called with the Zs? It could be My Pet Zzzs.

Henry: Instead of Zzzs for sleeping, it would just say NOTHING! Ha! Why do you think the Bs are taking the Zs away?

Trent: I already asked you that question. Haha!

Henry: On the final page, page 20, in the corner, near Pam’s Bake Shop, the rats are finally eating the donut. Haha! It’s cute. There’s a dog on top, too!

Trent: Oh yah! I see it!

Henry: On page 15, in the left top corner, there is a shoe!

Trent: I know. The sea shore. Shoe, shore. And the pie is the pier.

Henry: Oh yah!

Trent: Josh Funk told me that the illustrator and him didn’t meet before, and there are jokes in the illustration that he didn’t write. Henry, go to the butt page! The gassy field! Page 13!

Henry: Oh, hahahaha! I love this page. Did Josh Funk put that in?

Trent: I think that the illustrator put that in.

Henry: What is your favorite part about the book?

Trent: I like the gassy field the best.

Henry: Hahahaha! I like how they take out the Rs. And I like the gassy fields. And I like the big, giant cow poop. On page 9, they are chasing the poop. And it says “town hall” and it has the poop in front of it.

Trent: It’s the door. It’s supposed to be the door!

Henry: On page 10, if you look in the corner, the door or doo is even bigger.

Trent: Hahahah poop. Hahaha poop.

Henry: What would you rate this book from 1 to 10?

Trent: 10! 10! 10! It was a really good book.

Henry: Same! I rate it a 10, too! I love the crane. The cane!

Trent: Yah, the cane! I like the cane, too. And I like the cows.

Henry: What kind of kids do you think would like to read this book?

Trent: Kindergarten to third, like us.

Henry: Yah, and fourth grade, too. And kids who like potty talk like me. And words.

Trent: Kids who like funny things would really like this book.

Parent Perspective: Not only does this book allow our kids to play with words, they maintained a long conversation about the book without parent prompts. It offered them so much to talk about. In particular, they loved the humor. It made them laugh, and it made them think about different word combinations. This book pushed our kids as readers because they had to pause and consider where the Rs were missing.

We loved this book and think it would be a wonderful addition to classrooms. Although our kids were limited to their own age group, we think readers of all ages would find great joy in the play on words in this book.

Recommended For:

Guest Post: Classroom Uses for Front Desk by Kelly Yang, Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell, Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar, Mary and the Trail of Tears by Andrea L. Rogers, and Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

August 25, 2022 by Kellee

Today, I am happy to share the classroom uses and discussion questions found by my UCF Elementary Education students for some historical fiction books they read.

Front Desk
Author: Kelly Yang
Published May 29th, 2018 by Arthur A. Levine Books

Summary: Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.

Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.

Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.

Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?

It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would be useful in a classroom because it discusses real life topics like immigration, racism, poverty, bullying and even fraud. It gives a message to students on how important it is to fight for what’s right and to learn to treat others with respect, regardless of what they look like. It can be used as a platform for students to discuss issues that they can relate to.

Discussion Questions:

What was Mia’s job at the hotel? What characteristics she have to make her flourish doing that job?
Mia’s mom mothers says, were immigrants. Our lives are never fair,” what does she mean by that?
How did Mia change and grow throughout the book?
Within the book, Mias mother wanted her to practice her math skills despite how Mia felt. Has there ever been a time where you felt like you were in the same position as Mia?
Mia and her dad discuss the value of a penny. He says, “A mistake isn’t always a mistake. Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity. What does he mean by that?
Would you try to help immigrants the same way Mia’s family did or would you try to come up with a different solution? What would you do if you were caught by your employer?
If you were part of an immigrant family would you stay to work at this motel or would you leave to try better opportunities? Why would you stay or leave?
If you ran a motel how would you handle customers?
Do you think Mia’s mother was right to have her focus more on math or should she have been supportive of her daughter’s interest in writing? Why do you think one way or the other.

Recommended For:

Indian No More
Author: Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell
Published September 24th 2019 by Tu Books

Summary: Regina Petit’s family has always been Umpqua, and living on the Grand Ronde reservation is all ten-year-old Regina has ever known. Her biggest worry is that Sasquatch may actually exist out in the forest. But when the federal government signs a bill into law that says Regina’s tribe no longer exists, Regina becomes “Indian no more” overnight–even though she was given a number by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that counted her as Indian, even though she lives with her tribe and practices tribal customs, and even though her ancestors were Indian for countless generations.

With no good jobs available in Oregon, Regina’s father signs the family up for the Indian Relocation program and moves them to Los Angeles. Regina finds a whole new world in her neighborhood on 58th Place. She’s never met kids of other races, and they’ve never met a real Indian. For the first time in her life, Regina comes face to face with the viciousness of racism, personally and toward her new friends.

Meanwhile, her father believes that if he works hard, their family will be treated just like white Americans. But it’s not that easy. It’s 1957 during the Civil Rights Era. The family struggles without their tribal community and land. At least Regina has her grandmother, Chich, and her stories. At least they are all together.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book is useful for teaching about the US Government and US History. This book also teaches about how people from diverse identities showed solidarity with each other in the face of white supremacy, which is a core value of US democracy. The book also teaches that one’s identity is personal and they cannot be defined by other people.

Discussion Questions:

Describe the significance of storytelling in Umpqua culture.
This book examines how identity is very complicated and mixed but the US government imposes very rigid categories on people. Discuss how the categories the US government attempts to put people in, then and now, can harm people and are inaccurate.
Describe the Grande Ronde Reservation from Regina’s point of view, is this different from other depictions of reservations you have seen?
What made the Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving play so hard on Regina and her family?
Compare and Contrast the Indian Agency School on Grande Ronde Reservation and Budlong Elementary School in Los Angeles.
Reflect on Regina’s first Halloween off the Reservation. What went wrong and how do you think Regina and her friends felt? Think about how it could affect them even after the attack.
How did the passing of Chich affect the family? Why do you think Regina’s father reacted the way he did?
Regina connects to her culture and identity by storytelling. Write about a significant event that happened to you.
How does Regina’s father struggle with his identity after they move to Los Angeles?
Within the story Regina Petit called her grandmother and grandfather Chich and Chup. What do you call your grandparents where you’re from? Why do you think it differs from Regina?
Within the story, Regina was prideful of her long hair. It represented their culture back home. When Regina’s father cut it off, she was very upset. How do you think you would have reacted if someone took something that means alot in your culture and why?
Chich would keep the story of their homeland alive through her story telling. What stories do you have of your own culture that represents you? Why did you chose this?
Looking back at the story of the beaver, how can this relate to you in your life?
Have you ever experienced/seen someone experience what Regina and her friends did on Halloween? How would you react if you were in this situation? Do you think this was a fair treatment?
When Regina and her family wanted to celebrate her father promotion at work, they were denied service due to the color of their skin and appearance. Have you or someone you know experienced not being served at a restaurant just because of your appearance? Do you think this treatment of people of color is correct and just? How would you react if it were you in this very same situation?
What did you know about this time period prior to reading this book? Do you believe you learned more about the time period from the book after reading it? What have you learned?
How do you think Regina’s life differs from your own life? Do you think the time period has anything to do with that?
Have you ever experienced a great loss like Regina and her sister did towards the end of the book? How did you react to it?
If there was anything about the events in the book that you would change what would it be? Why did you choose this event to change?

Recommended For:

Lucky Broken Girl
Author: Ruth Behar
Published April 11th 2017 by Nancy Paulsen Books

Summary: Based on the author’s childhood in the 1960s, a young Cuban-Jewish immigrant girl is adjusting to her new life in New York City when her American dream is suddenly derailed.

Ruthie Mizrahi and her family recently emigrated from Castro’s Cuba to New York City. Just when she’s finally beginning to gain confidence in her mastery of English and enjoying her reign as her neighborhood’s hopscotch queen, a horrific car accident leaves her in a body cast and confined her to her bed for a long recovery. As Ruthie’s world shrinks because of her inability to move, her powers of observation and her heart grow larger. She comes to understand how fragile life is, how vulnerable we all are as human beings, and how friends, neighbors, and the power of the arts can sweeten even the worst of times.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would be useful in the classroom for group discussions about overcoming hardships. It is also useful in the classroom to help students who are learning English relate to Ruthie.

This book will be a good choice for a classroom library. This book represents the story of a strong girl living through a difficult time in her life. She had to move to a new country but also had a bad accident that left her physically and emotionally drained. This book can help children learn to face loss and have hope for a better future.

Discussion Questions:

Ruthie faced hardship and she found it difficult to stay positive but her family and friends tried helping in the best way they could. How have your friends and family helped you when facing difficulties?
What is the theme of Lucky Broken Girl and how can you relate to the theme?
How are characters helping and not helping Ruthie cope during her recovery?
Was Chico a good friend to Ruthie? Why? What did he do during Ruthie’s recovery?
What did Ruthie learn about the immigration stories of the people around her?
Ruthie has been reading a lot during her recovery, especially Nancy Drew. How are these books helping her and encouraging her?
How was Ruthie “Lucky” while being bedridden for ten months?
What connection can you make with Ruthie or her family?
The painting of Frida Kahlo and the poems of Emily Dickerson help Ruthie understand her situation. What poems, books, or artists have helped you through a hard time, and why?

Recommended For:

Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story
Author: Andrea L. Rogers
Published January 1st 2020 by Stone Arch Books

Summary: Twelve-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family are forced out of their home in Georgia by U.S. soldiers in May 1838. From the beginning of the forced move, Mary and her family are separated from her father. Facing horrors such as internment, violence, disease, and harsh weather, Mary perseveres and helps keep her family and friends together until they can reach the new Cherokee nation in Indian Territory. Featuring nonfiction support material, a glossary, and reader response questions, this Girls Survive story explores the tragedy of forced removals following the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The story goes into great detail from the time Mary learns what is happening and the journey across the land. The characters face many different challenges on their journey, and the book does a great job at providing dates and locations. Also, the drama response of the news reporter would be fun, as it is clear the characters in the story have many opinions and emotions.

This book could also be used as a read-aloud book. It would be great to read a chapter a day as a class, even having children popcorn read paragraphs. After reading, students can do several different activities about the culture, history, and even character perspectives

Discussion Questions:

In what ways would you try to communicate to the soldiers if you didn’t speak English like Mary.
In what ways would you try to comfort your younger family members knowing you had no home to return to?
When Mary and her family are trapped in the mud caused by the non-sto prain, they begin to sing a song they all remember. Do you have a song your whole family knows? What song(s) do you sing to make yourself feel better?
While reading this book what emotions trigger you the most: sad, happy, confused?
In what ways do you relate to Mary?
How does not being able to speak the language with the soldiers create a conflict for Mary?
We’ve all felt alone at some point whether its been when we lost our mom at the grocery store for a second or what have you, name a similar situation in which you felt alone like Mary. Elaborate.
When was there a time where you felt scared like Mary? What did you do to overcome this fear?
How do you think that this situation of being forcefully kicked out of your house would play out today because you were of a certain racial group? What would be the effects?
Explain a time you cried tears of joy?

Recommended For:

The Night Diary
Author: Veera Hiranandani
Published March 6th 2018 by Kokila

Summary: It’s 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders.

Half-Muslim, half-Hindu twelve-year-old Nisha doesn’t know where she belongs, or what her country is anymore. When Papa decides it’s too dangerous to stay in what is now Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark first by train but later on foot to reach her new home. The journey is long, difficult, and dangerous, and after losing her mother as a baby, Nisha can’t imagine losing her homeland, too. But even if her country has been ripped apart, Nisha still believes in the possibility of putting herself back together.

Told through Nisha’s letters to her mother, The Night Diary is a heartfelt story of one girl’s search for home, for her own identity…and for a hopeful future.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book can be useful in the classroom when talking about and learning about different cultures around the world. Students will have a better understanding of the differences of two close religions and cultures, as I learned when reading the book.

This book would also be useful when it comes to the topic of World History. After reading this book, students would have had insight to another culture and perspective from a standpoint of someone of a different culture in a different country.

Discussion Questions:

How do you think Nisha felt when she had to move?
What do you think you would have done if you or a family member were attacked on a train like Nisha and her family was?
Nisha kept a diary, what kind of thing do you think you would put in yours if you had one? Would your diary be similar to Nishas?
Do you think Papa made the right decision on moving away? Explain why or why not.
Do you think Nisha preferred one religion to the other? Hindu or muslim?
Kazi was Nisha’s best friend but she had to leave her behind. Do you think they would still keep in touch if they could?
Why do you think there was so much division in India?
How did the book make you feel after and during reading? Was it what you expected? Explain.
Nisha is half Muslim and half Hindu. Do you only have one religion in your household, or do you come from two like Nisha?
How did reading about Nisha’s journey make you feel when she was attacked on the train? What would you do in that situation ?
What are two lessons you learned from reading this book that are specific to Nisha’s Journey?
Do you think Papa made a good choice by leaving? Why or why not?
If you had to be a character from the book, who would you choose? Why?
How did moving away affect Nisha?
Name one character that contributed to Nisha’s life and journey to find herself.
Does anyone have a diary? If so, do you think that you can relate to Nisha because she had one to? Why?
Why do you think Papa didn’t want his son to smile in the beginning? What does this say about their culture?
Think about your bond with your siblings if you have any. Do you find it to be similar to Nisha and her brothers in any way?
When Nisha had to leave Kazi behind she was very sad. Have you ever lost a friend the way Nisha did, if so what was that like ?

Recommended For:

Guest Post: Classroom Uses for One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus, Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos, Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai, and The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan

August 23, 2022 by Kellee

Today, I am happy to share the classroom uses and discussion questions found by my UCF Elementary Education students when reading these historical fiction books.

One Crazy Summer
Author: Rita Williams-Garcia
Published January 26th, 2010 by Quill Tree Books

Summary: In the summer of 1968, after travelling from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know, eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters arrive to a cold welcome as they discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp.

In a humorous and breakout book by Williams-Garcia, the Penderwicks meet the Black Panthers.

Discussion Questions:

What do you think of Cecile and the way she treats her daughters? How does that make you feel?
What do you think Cecile does for the black panthers? Do you think it is good or bad?
Explain why you think the girls were sent to visit their mother?
Why did the black panthers call Fern’s doll, Ms. Pattycake, self hatred?
Who or what is a black panther? (For background knowledge on the history in story)
Why do you think Vonneta didn’t stick up for Fern when her friend was calling her a baby? Why did she then destroy Fern’s doll?
Family is an important theme of the novel, write about your relationship with your family.
Do you think Delphine agrees with the black panthers are fighting for? Why or why not?
Do you think Fern’s name is the real reason Cecile left? Why or why not?
Do you think Delphine forgives her mom for abandoning her? Why or why not?

Recommended For:

A Place to Hang the Moon
Author: Kate Albus
Published February 2nd, 2021 by Margaret Ferguson Books

Summary: Set against the backdrop of World War II, Anna, Edmund, and William are evacuated from London to live in the countryside, bouncing from home to home in search of a permanent family.

It is 1940 and Anna, 9, Edmund, 11, and William, 12, have just lost their grandmother. Unfortunately, she left no provision for their guardianship in her will. Her solicitor comes up with a preposterous plan: he will arrange for the children to join a group of schoolchildren who are being evacuated to a village in the country, where they will live with families for the duration of the war. He also hopes that whoever takes the children on might end up willing to adopt them and become their new family–providing, of course, that the children can agree on the choice.

Moving from one family to another, the children suffer the cruel trickery of foster brothers, the cold realities of outdoor toilets, and the hollowness of empty tummies. They seek comfort in the village lending library, whose kind librarian, Nora Muller, seems an excellent candidate–except that she has a German husband whose whereabouts are currently unknown. Nevertheless, Nora’s cottage is a place of bedtime stories and fireplaces, of vegetable gardens and hot, milky tea. Most important, it’s a place where someone thinks they all three hung the moon. Which is really all you need in a mom, if you think about it.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book could be used to teach children about the effects of World War II on England and specifically how it affected children. This book could also be used to have an open discussion about family. To help children understand how family changes and how your ideas and those you consider family can change over time.

This book should definitely be put in the classroom library. Close reading/analysis would be used especially when the children are learning about World War II, so they are able to better understand historical context and explore what else was going on in this time period and why the actions of the characters were necessary. And the book would be great in a book club could also be used to help students reflect upon what they were feeling and give them an opportunity to share their opinions of the story with their peers.

Interdisciplinary Aspects:

History- This book takes place during World War II students can take this as an opportunity to research the war and understand the setting of the novel and why the characters were forced to move away in more detail

Reading/Literature- Throughout the book the children are introduced to many different books and authors. Students can explore these books and read one of their choosing to understand these stories in more detail

Discussion Questions:

Throughout the book the children mention that they know they will have found their new family when they find someone who believes that they had hung the moon. What do you believe that this phrase means?
During this book the children mention that they are frequently talking about rationing and the need for rationing coupons. What is rationing and why was it necessary during the war?
Why would Mrs.Mueller having a German husband make her unsuitable to house the children?
Which housing accommodation was the least suitable for the children? Why?
Throughout the book the children read different books to pass the time and feel better about their current situation? How can reading bring about comfort to these characters?
How is Edmunds understanding of the war and his actions to his billet hosts different from Williams?
Edmund tells William that he knows that the stories he tells about his parents are fake. Why does he still enjoy these stories even though he knows they aren’t real?
Each of the siblings is hoping to get something specific out of the new family. (Edmund wants someone to cook for him, William wants to not worry about taking care of his siblings and having so many burdens, and Anna wants someone to tuck her in and give her a hug) Why is their idea of parents so different? How does Mrs. Mueller meet each of their expectations?
Why do you think that none of the children were devastated at the death of their Grandmother? How do you think they acted at their parents’ funeral?
Why are the children sent to a village in the country?
What war did this story take place during?
Where did the children get sent off to?
What is one thing they encountered during their foster care?
What is the name of the librarian they fell in love with?
Who is the person that sent them into foster care and why?
What did it mean for them when they said they hung the moon?
Who sank the boat of refugee children?
Why did the English women who’s husband was German get a lot of prejudice from neighbors?

Recommended For:

Planet Earth is Blue
Author: Nicole Panteleakos
Published May 14th, 2019 by Random House

Summary: Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger–it’s the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home.

While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can’t express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova’s new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she’s counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she’ll see Bridget again. Because Bridget said, “No matter what, I’ll be there. I promise.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would be useful for students who aren’t nonverbal and autistic, it would teach the perspective from these students who are to better understand them and find ways to relate to them.

It can also be an introduction to space and the solar system focusing on science.

This would be a great book to have in the classroom library as it is easy to build a personal connection to the characters that students may not want to speak about to a larger group. This would give them the chance to dive into subjects that may be relatable to them but not others and provide a safe space for it.

Using this book for a close reading or analysis can be beneficial as it can be used as an introduction to the space unit. It can be used as a way to introduce the topic of differences in students’ lives and how it can be accepted rather than seen as a negative.

Discussion Questions:

Describe the relationship between Nova and Bridget that was given by the narrator.
Why do you think Nova and Bridget were unable to live with their mother any longer?
Why do you think Nova took a special interest in space?
How does it make you feel that people are mean to Nova? Use describing words.
Nova often talks about being tested multiple times. How does Nova feel about this testing? Can you relate to this? Explain.
Why do you believe the book was written from the point of view of a narrator rather than Nova herself?
When Francine looks up the word Nova, how does this relate to her?
Why were the chapters counting down instead of up?
Describe the alternative ending you would have liked to read for Nova and Bridget.

Recommended For:

Shooting Kabul
Author: N.H. Senzai
Published June 22nd, 2010 by Simon & Schuster

Summary: In the summer of 2001, twelve-year-old Fadi’s parents make the difficult decision to illegally leave Afghanistan and move the family to the United States. When their underground transport arrives at the rendezvous point, chaos ensues, and Fadi is left dragging his younger sister Mariam through the crush of people. But Mariam accidentally lets go of his hand and becomes lost in the crowd, just as Fadi is snatched up into the truck. With Taliban soldiers closing in, the truck speeds away, leaving Mariam behind.

Adjusting to life in the United States isn’t easy for Fadi’s family, and as the events of September 11th unfold the prospects of locating Mariam in a war torn Afghanistan seem slim. When a photography competition with a grand prize trip to India is announced, Fadi sees his chance to return to Afghanistan and find his sister. But can one photo really bring Mariam home?

Based in part on Ms. Senzai’s husband’s own experience fleeing his home in Soviet-controlled Afghanistan in the 1970’s, Shooting Kabul is a powerful story of hope, love, and perseverance.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation:This book would be useful in the classroom when talking about history. Events like 9/11 and especially the history of the Middle East and how refugees adapt to American culture. It speaks on culture and religion. It also creates a discussion for kids to speak on transitioning, which most can relate to.

Discussion Questions:

How do the events of September 11, 2001, affect Fadi’s school and home life?
How would you handle accidentally leaving your sibling behind in another country?
Would you go to another country if things are going bad in yours or would you stay to help? How would you help if you stay? Where did you leave and why did you choose there?
If you were put in charge of a country would you put your beliefs and needs first or would you worry more for your people’s wants and desires? How would you handle either situation?
Would you move on if the bullies had destroyed your camera? What would you do if the principal asked you who was there during the fight?
What kind of observations tell you on how Fadi has adapted to his new school and life in America?
If you were a member of Fadi’s family, how would you have felt about Habib, your dad, wanting to return to Afghanistan?
In the book, what types of misunderstandings about the Muslim faith and Middle Easterns are shown?
How do you think Fadi felt when in school? Was it difficult for him to cope with American culture ?

Recommended For:

The Dreamer
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan & Peter Sis
Published April 1st, 2010 by Scholastic Press

Summary: Neftali finds beauty and wonder everywhere: in the oily colors of mud puddles; a lost glove, sailing on the wind; the music of birds and language. He loves to collect treasures, daydream, and write–pastimes his authoritarian father thinks are for fools. Against all odds, Neftali prevails against his father’s cruelty and his own crippling shyness to become one of the most widely read poets in the world, Pablo Neruda. This moving story about the birth of an artist is also a celebration of childhood, imagination, & the strength of the creative spirit. Sure to inspire young writers & artists.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book is more about beating the odds that someone has set in place for you. Neftali is told he should be a poet by his father but when Neftali decides to be who he is meant to be, a poet/ artist, he finds success and happiness there.

The Dreamer would be an excellent book for independent reading within the classroom. This book would be great to have in your classroom library so that there are an array of diverse books to choose from. There will be a student at some point that will be able to relate to Neftali’s story with his father. This book could definitely make an impact on a student.

This book would be an excellent shared reading pick or book club choice. The story takes place in Chile, so can be used when teaching about other countries, specifically focusing on the norms, culture, and government. This story is also based on the childhood of poet Pablo Neruda. The book serves as an excellent introduction to poetry. The book is also a great aid for social emotional learning.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think Neftali enjoys daydreaming?
How would you describe Neftali’s relationship with his father?
What does Neftali’s father think of Rodolfo’s singing?
Why does he want Rodolfo to focus on business or medicine, instead of singing?
Compare Neftali’s father to Neftali’s uncle, Orlando. How are they similar or different?
Who did you think Neftali relates more to, his father or his uncle? Why?
How did Neftali’s relationship with his father change after his trip to the forest?
Why does Neftali love and hate the ocean?
Has anyone ever told you what you should be when you grow up? If so, how did it make you feel? What do you want to be when you grow up?
Why does Neftali’s have a hard time making it to school on time?
What does Neftalis’ collections represent? How do they make him feel?
Has someone ever told you that you should do something- as your father did with Neftali? How did that make you feel?
What does Neftali dream of becoming? Does his father agree? Why or why not?
Neftali’s father called him by really harsh names, such as “idiot”- Do you think that Neftali was truly any of those things?
In the beginning, Neftali was shy, frail, didn’t say much, and spent a lot of time alone. How did Neftali begin to change throughout the book?
In what ways did Neftali’s relationship begin to change with his father?
What do you think it feels like to be Neftali?
Draw a specific scene from the book, why did you choose this scene to draw?

Recommended For:

Guest Post: Classroom Uses for Latinitas by Juliet Menendez, Lost in the Antarctic by Tod Olson, On the Horizon by Lois Lowry, and Stamped adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul

August 20, 2022 by Kellee

Today, I am happy to share the classroom uses and discussion questions found by my UCF Elementary Education students found for these nonfiction books they read.

Latinitas: Celerating 40 Big Dreamers
Author: Juliet Menendez
Illustrator:
Published

Summary: Dream big with the Latinitas in Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers.

Discover how 40 influential Latinas became the women we celebrate today! In this collection of short biographies from all over Latin America and across the United States, Juliet Menéndez explores the first small steps that set the Latinitas off on their journeys. With gorgeous, hand-painted illustrations, Menéndez shines a spotlight on the power of childhood dreams.

From Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to singer Selena Quintanilla to NASA’s first virtual reality engineer, Evelyn Miralles, this is a book for aspiring artists, scientists, activists, and more. These women followed their dreams–and just might encourage you to follow yours!

The book features Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Policarpa Salavarrieta, Rosa Peña de González, Teresa Carreño, Zelia Nuttall, Antonia Navarro, Matilde Hidalgo, Gabriela Mistral, Juana de Ibarbourou, Pura Belpré, Gumercinda Páez, Frida Kahlo, Julia de Burgos, Chavela Vargas, Alicia Alonso, Victoria Santa Cruz, Claribel Alegría, Celia Cruz, Dolores Huerta, Rita Moreno, Maria Auxiliadora da Silva, Mercedes Sosa, Isabel Allende, Susana Torre, Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, Sonia Sotomayor, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Mercedes Doretti, Sonia Pierre, Justa Canaviri, Evelyn Miralles, Selena Quintanilla, Berta Cáceres, Serena Auñón, Wanda Díaz-Merced, Marta Vieira da Silva, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Laurie Hernandez.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: There are so many ways this book provides an opportunity to be used in the classroom. The book can be used during a history lesson as a resource. The book can also be used on its own for women’s month to learn about all of the Latina women who have made an impact in the world, or this book can also be used for Hispanic Heritage Month. This book could also be a resource if a student is looking to learn more about the women who have impacted their culture or just a Latina woman whose story has caught their attention. This book could also be used for language arts and social studies. This is an excellent book for reading circles, independent reading, or even book clubs. The children can choose a Latina they would like to focus on and write an essay on how they captured their attention or their accomplishments. This book is a quick read with various Latinas that will capture any student’s attention during reading time.

Discussion Questions:

Choose one of the Latinitas highlighted in this book and write about how they inspired you.
Juana Azurduy de Padilla is one of the many women who fought for their country’s independence. What are some of the reasons people have fought for a nation’s independence?
Pick your favorite subject or topic and find a Latinita that shares that interest. What does she do in that field and how did she get there?
Many Latinitas were inspired by other great minds, who inspires you? Why?
Where they came from and where they called home heavily impacted the women in this book. How has your identity impacted your life?
Compare and contrast two Latinitas from different time periods. What did they have in common? What was different?
Explain why the work of an Archeologist, like Zelia Nuttall, is important?
Choose one of the Latinitas highlighted in this book and write about how they inspired you.
Juana Azurduy de Padilla is one of the many women who fought for their country’s independence. What are some of the reasons people have fought for a nation’s independence?
Explain why the work of an Archeologist, like Zelia Nuttall, is important?
Pick your favorite subject or topic and find a Latinita that shares that interest. What does she do in that field and how did she get there?
Many Latinitas were inspired by other great minds, who inspires you? Why?
Where they came from and where they called home heavily impacted the women in this book. How has your identity impacted your life?
Compare and contrast two Latinitas from different time periods. What did they have in common? What was different?
Compare two women that you read about in this book. Explain any similarities and differences between the two.
Write about two examples of Latinitas that had to fight for their education and explain how this was important.

Recommended For:

Lost in the Antarctic: The Doomed Voyage of the Endurance
Author: Tod Olson
Published January 1st, 2019 by Scholastic

Summary: There wasn’t a thing Ernest Shackleton could do. He stood on the ice-bound Weddell Sea, watching the giant blocks of frozen saltwater squeeze his ship to death. The ship’s name seemed ironic now: the Endurance. But she had lasted nine months in this condition, stuck on the ice in the frigid Antarctic winter. So had Shackleton and his crew of 28 men, trying to become the first expedition ever to cross the entire continent.

Now, in October 1915, as he watched his ship break into pieces, Shackleton gave up on that goal. He ordered his men to abandon ship. From here on, their new goal would be to focus on only one thing: survival.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would make a great book club where students sit in groups and discuss their thoughts about the reading. This would also make an exceptional classroom library book because this could introduce students to survival based books that they may not have a lot of access to and may discover an interest in. This may also make them interested in Narrative Nonfiction that they may not have realized existed before.

This book could be interdisciplinary with science for the climate in the Antarctic and harsh conditions, along with social studies for a nonfiction historic event. Social studies with geography can also be involved as well.

Discussion Questions:

On what day did The Endurance ship slip past the rotting whale carcasses into the South Atlantic?
Do you think Shackleton was a good captain for this voyage? Why or why not?
How do the images impact the story being told in the story? Do these images give you additional information? Explain how the images impact how you read the story.
Do you think that the cold weather made it more difficult for Shackleton along his crew to survive? What if the weather was hotter, do you think they could’ve survived more easily?
Do you think there was a specific action that led to the doom of the voyage? Why do you think this?
If you could bring one person with you on this voyage who would you bring and why?
What would you do to stay positive in this scenario? Use specific instances from the story in your response.
What roles would you assign to each of your classmates on this voyage?
How long do you think you and your class would survive in the antarctic? What would be important to think about, based on what you read in the story, when considering how long your survival would be and what you would need.

Recommended For:

On the Horizon
Author: Lois Lowry
Published April 7th, 2020 by HMH Books for Young Readers

Summary: From Lois Lowry comes an account of the lives lost in two of WWII’s most infamous events: Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. With black-and-white illustrations by Kenard Pak.

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were lost or forever altered by the twin tragedies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Composed of poems about individual sailors who lost their lives on the Arizona and about the citizens of Hiroshima who experienced unfathomable horror.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would be useful in the classroom to teach about two major historical events that happened. Additionally this book can be used to teach students about citizenship, understanding, and cause and effect.

Students could also use the events in the book to create a newspaper because this gives the students a chance to interview people from the book that went through major historical events and offers a range of perspectives for students to look from.

Discussion Questions:

How do you think these events affected her?
Why do you think Lois Lowry decided to write about this event?
What connections can you make to the events of Horoshima and Pearl Harbor and your life?
Why do you think the author chose to write in poems?
Writing prompt: What would your feelings have been if you experienced the wars of Hiroshima and Pearl Harbor?
Why do you think the author chose the title “On the Horizon?”
What do you think Lois Lowry was trying to accomplish by giving different peoples perspectives?
How do you think the events of the war made Lois feel during and after the war?
What were your feelings when reading about the stories of sailors that lost their lives?

Recommended For:

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You
Authors: Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
Adapted by: Sonja Cherry-Paul
Published May 11th, 2021 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary: This chapter book edition of the #1 New York Times bestseller by luminaries Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds is an essential introduction to the history of racism and antiracism in America

RACE. Uh-oh. The R-word.
But actually talking about race is one of the most important things to learn how to do.

Adapted from the groundbreaking bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book takes readers on a journey from present to past and back again. Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they’ll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The book could be incorporated in classrooms as an introduction to a study. This book discusses an ongoing topic that is still controversial today. With a book like this, it opens up a door for students to discuss whether the author made valid points and how we could contribute his theories in today’s society.

The book is told in mostly chronological order when speaking about the evolution of racism throughout history. So the students could draw out a timeline and write the dates and facts they see throughout the story while they read. For this particular book it would be easier for them to do them in pairs.

Discussion Questions:

In the book what actions lead to the civil war?
How did literature play a big role with how African American as slaves were viewed by society back then?
After reading the book, what part of American History did you learn that you hadn’t previously known?
What is the author’s motive for writing this book?
Can you name one person in the book that contributed to the author’s point? Why?
Who is Nat Turner and what was his role?
Why do you think this author mentioned, “This is not a history book?”
What form of media such as movies or TV shows make you rethink about the content of racism after reading this book?
Who did the author name as the “world’s first racist person” early in the book?
What was the curse theory, and how did it have an effect on the justification of slavery?

Recommended For:

Guest Post: Classroom Uses for All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat, Astronaut-Aquanaut by Jennifer Swanson, Call and Response by Veronica Chambers, She Persisted: Claudette Colvin by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and History Smashers: Women’s Rights to Vote by Kate Messner

April 22, 2023August 18, 2022 by Kellee

Today, I am happy to share the classroom uses and discussion questions found by my UCF Elementary Education students about some of the nonfiction books they read.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team
Author: Christina Soontornvat
Published October 13th, 2020 by Candlewick Press

Summary: An account of the amazing Thai cave rescue told in a you-are-there style that blends suspense, science, and cultural insight. Twelve young players of the Wild Boar soccer team and their coach enter a cave in northern Thailand seeking an afternoon adventure. But when they turn to leave, rising floodwaters block their path out. The boys are trapped! Before long, news of the missing team spreads, launching a seventeen day rescue operation involving thousands of rescuers from around the globe.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book would be great for a full class discussion and read aloud. This book has a lot of important themes that would be great for class discussion such as teamwork and will to survive. Additionally, incorporating STEM activities through engineering would be perfect since this book was full of it. And you can teach chronological order writing from the style of the book.

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever been cave diving or experienced jumping into really cold water? Do you think you would be able to stay in the same wet/cold conditions for multiple days? What would help you get through the experience?
The Wild Boars were used to working as a team on the field, do you think it was easy for them to keep each other’s hopes up or more difficult? Why?
Different experts were called in to help get the team out of the water? Who do you think would be the most helpful in a similar situation? Do you think there are any people who weren’t called in that should’ve been called? Why?
The British divers refused to dive into the cave because of safety hazards on June 29th, and 30th. In your opinion do you think they were right, or do you think the Thai military were right in telling them to go in? Why?
If you were a family member of one of the thirteen trapped inside, what would you do? Would you call whoever you can think to help or keep yourself busy with aimless tasks or help pump water? Do you think you would remain calm? Why?
Draw a scene from the book, why did you choose this scene and how does it make you feel?
Why did the team continue to follow their coach further into the cave although at times it was unsafe? Who is someone you would follow feeling safe? Why?
How did the maps and diagrams make it easier to understand the operation?
There are many heroes in this book, who is someone in the book you consider a hero? and in your own life?

Recommended For:

Astronaut – Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact
Author: Jennifer Swanson
Published January 9th, 2018 by National Geographic Kids

Summary: Astronaut-Aquanaut explores the world of space and sea science, its differences and its similarities. The book is filled with interesting facts of the preparation and journey of surviving in a remote and hostile environment. The book also includes vivid photographs, as well as detailed accounts of real astronauts and aquanauts.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation:This book could be useful in the classroom as a read-aloud book. In addition, this book is great at incorporating science and can be used within a STEM class, if possible. In addition, students are exposed to many after-reading activities that can help them comprehend the information that they had just read from this book in class.

Discussion Questions:

If you were to pick to be an Astronaut or Aquanaut what would you choose? And why?
What types of places do you think would be useful for aquanauts to discover? Where and why?
If you were an Astronaut how would you describe the similarities of your job to an Aquanaut?
Why do you think that these extreme exploration trips put a strain on the human body? And why do you think the body responds that way?
If you were an Astronaut what type of experiment would you conduct? And how can that also relate to being an Aquanaut?
Why is it important for astronauts to train underwater?
Imagine being called for an emergency involving an asteroid that needs to be identified. In what ways do you think this might affect your life as an astronaut, and how you would feel?
In what ways do you think that astronauts and aquanauts explore their surroundings?
How does understanding pressure, heat, and temperature help us understand space and sea exploration?

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Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter
Author: Veronica Chambers
Published August 17th, 2021 by Versify

Summary: Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter written by Veronica Chambers is a powerful outlook on the events of the civil rights movement of 2020. The Black Lives Matter movement captured global attention and spurred thousands of people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds to stand up for progressive social reform. This book tells the story of how social media networks like Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, as well as every news broadcasting site had come together to educate and inform the world on the systematic racism that has been growing in this country for centuries.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book could be used to help students understand a civil rights movements that is still going on today. The book shares information on the past and present situations that have led to this movement and includes pictures.

After reading this text, we would encourage my students to have a group discussion on there feelings towards the book, if the book made them feel a certain way, if they had an eye-opening facts that they would like to share, etc.

Discussion Questions:

Do you remember another time in history when something was as big and powerful as the Black Lives Matter movement?
What emotions did you feel while looking at some of the pictures provided in the novel?
What are some ways that you can be a leader, like discussed in Chapter 6?
What quote in the novel stood out to you? Why?
In what ways do you perceive this movement
How does it make you feel?
Do you feel you are in a safe and comfortable environment?
Do you or do you know of someone who may have been negatively affected by the BLM?
Chapter 10 discusses young leaders. How did these young leaders lead, and why was it effective?

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She Persisted: Claudette Colvin
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
Published February 2nd, 2021 by Philomel Books

Summary: Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome, readers learn about the amazing life of Claudette Colvin–and how she persisted.

Before Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin made the same choice. She insisted on standing up–or in her case, sitting down–for what was right, and in doing so, fought for equality, fairness, and justice.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Claudette Colvin’s footsteps and make a difference!

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book can be used in the classroom to teach students about the civil rights movement as well as the life of Claudette Colvin. By teaching students about influential people of the civil rights movement. This introduction to figures helps students understand the effect that they had on the movement and also the importance of why the fight was important.

Interdisciplinary uses:

Social Studies: This book can be used to help teach students the importance of behavior between different people. Understanding the importance of treating everyone as equals is essential to promoting peace in society. This book talks about the errors of the past and focuses on how even though we have different genders, races, and looks it is important to remember that we are all the same.

History: This does a great job of going over the history of the civil rights movement. This book touches upon why the movement started, what those who lived through the movement went through in everyday life, as well as talking about important events within the movement.

Political Literacy- This book teaches the students on the importance of persisting. This book goes over the importance of having a voice especially in politics. By knowing your rights and expressing them in society it is possible to make a change.

Discussion Questions:

The author cited one inspiration of the novel was the quote “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Why is it important to read books that feature many different main characters?
What effect did the death of Delphine have on Claudette Colvin?
While Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks protested in very similar ways the story of Rosa Parks is more commonly known. Had you heard of Claudette Colvin before reading this book? Why do you think the story of Rosa Parks is more widely known.
When Claudette Colvin was escorted off the bus she repeated that sitting was her constitutional right. Why is knowing your rights important? How does her knowledge of her rights affect the decisions she made in life?
In the back of the book there is a list of ways to persist. One the top of the list is to conduct research on how others have brought about change. Why is understanding change in the commonuite important to making a difference in the world?
When learning in school Claudette spoke about the attention that was spent on learning about injustice and civil rights. Claudette spoke about how she thought that this was more important and influential than the lessons they had covered in the past. Why is this so?
Why do you think Claudette decided to take a stand on the bus?
How did Claudette inspire others to take a stand?
How did the testimonies of the students on the bus differ from the police officer and other citizens on the bus. Why would they lie?
Claudette Colvin was charged with three charges of violating segregation laws, disturbing the peace, and assaulting a police officer. Why do you think one action resulted in multiple charges in court?

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History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Dylan Meconis
Published July 7th, 2020 by Random House Books for Children

Summary: Myths! Lies! Secrets! Smash the stories behind famous moments in history and expose the hidden truth. Perfect for fans of I Survived and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

In 1920, Susan B. Anthony passed a law that gave voting rights to women in the United States. Right?

Wrong! Susan B. Anthony wasn’t even alive when the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified. Plus, it takes a lot more than one person to amend the constitution.

The truth is, it took millions of women to get that amendment into law. They marched! They picketed! They even went to jail. But in the end, it all came down to a letter from a state representative’s mom. No joke.

Through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more, acclaimed author Kate Messner smashes history by exploring the little-known details behind the fight for women’s suffrage.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book could be useful in a classroom during a Social Studies lesson where women rights is being talked about and the history behind that time. This book would also be useful to help students relate to the same efforts of current movements like,Black Lives Matter and other current social injustices. It teaches history in clear facts on how women sacrificed and fought on amending the constitution to help them have a right to vote and a voice. It also goes over discrimination and how it still was affected.

Discussion Questions:

How did this book help you better understand the movement for women to vote in our country?
Why did Susan Anthony and Elizabeth Cady want the right for every American woman to vote? HH
Why was Susan B. Anthony portrayed as the face of the women’s right to vote movement?
How did the pictures and sidebars in the book help you understand what you were reading?
How did women’s suffrage affect black women?
Why do you think Susan B Anthony was used as the poster child for the book?
What myths were found during the book and who was supposedly the first woman who spoke about women’s rights?
What was the reason for women’s suffrage and the struggle for right for African Americans?
How did women exercise political power throughout the book?
In the book, how were black women involved in the fight for women’s suffrage?
What did Frances Ellen Watkins Harper argue about?
In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft wrote an official document outlining what?
On page 24, a document called, The Declaration of Sentiments, women listed their demands and read it aloud to a convention at the time. If you had an opportunity to write your demands for this convention, what would they be?
From all the women leaders named in the book, who do you think was the most influential? Why?
Of the strategies that women used to earn the right to vote in the United States, which do you think was the most successful? Why?
After reading the book, what has been the impact of women’s suffrage in the 20th century?
Give examples of some of the outcomes that happened when women’s rights activists would protest and picket?
What was President’s Wilson’s response to the women’s protests?

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